Political tension hits Rivers as lawmakers move to impeach gov Fubara, deputy

The political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Thursday as members of the State House of Assembly formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.

The decision was taken during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Martins Amaewhule. During the sitting, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, officially presented a notice of allegations against the governor, marking the first constitutional step in the impeachment process.

The lawmakers acted in accordance with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the procedure for removing a governor and deputy governor from office.

Jack outlined seven allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, alleged extra-budgetary spending, and the withholding of funds due to the Assembly Service Commission.

Other allegations include the governor’s alleged refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the financial autonomy of the legislature and actions said to have undermined the constitutional role of the House.

The notice, reportedly signed by 26 lawmakers, was formally laid before the Speaker, who directed that it be served on the governor within seven days, as required by law.

Shortly after, the Deputy Leader of the House, Linda Stewart, presented a separate notice of alleged gross misconduct against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

According to the notice, Odu is accused of reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstructing the House from carrying out its legislative duties, and allegedly conniving to allow unauthorised individuals to occupy government offices without legislative screening.

Further allegations include bypassing the Rivers State House of Assembly in budgetary approvals, the seizure of salaries and allowances due to lawmakers and the Assembly Service Commission, and actions said to have eroded the authority of the legislature.

The impeachment notices mark a significant escalation in the prolonged political standoff between the executive and the legislature in the state.